The Mercedes 300se W126. My first Drive.
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- Опубліковано 21 жов 2024
- In this video I have the pleasure of going with my friend Brian to pick up a 1990 300se w126. Its Brian's second Mercedes in just the last few months. He also owns a very nice w123 coupe diesel. I think he has the bug. Its the first time I've driven a w126 and will give you my impressions of the car driving back through the beautiful Eastern Sierra Mountains.
A British Guy and An American Guy admiring a German Made Icon.
The Germans get the last laugh after all.
History.
Nice video guys.
😂
W126 especially the 300 is one of the best cars ever made. Silky smooth inline 6, top tier build quality, and the last of the old guard Mercedes Benz.
This is beautiful I've had two 300 SDs 1983 one 420 SEL 1988.. and the latest two weeks ago is a very good condition 1988 300 SE with all repair and maintenance records
Simply one of the most beautiful cars ever built. Dad had exactly the same model, and did my wedding with it.
Its a fantastic car. My friend is loving it. Cheers John 🍻
I have several w126 from 300SD to 560SEL that all turn heads and my teenage daughter drives the 300SE to school daily. Her friends LOVE riding with her instead of their newer cars and she says she always gets the “Wow, what year is this car?” and oohs and ahhs etc. That’s all good but MY thing about her driving it is because I have zero worries about her being injured or worse in a wreck especially being her first car. This thought was substantiated when some other teenager texting on her phone hit her from behind. Tore up her whole front end. My babies (both my daughter and the 300SE) are still rolling and all I had to do was polish the rear bumper and replace a tail light that was only slightly cracked and not noticeable. Old school wins every time lol. 💪🏾
Nice one. Yes, your Daughter is safe in the w126. I felt the build quality driving it back. Awesome machine. Cheers John.
In my opinion, this is the best W126 version to purchase and own. The short wheelbase S class with the inline 6 cylinder motor is both good on gas and extremely durable. The V8 models require so much more maintanance and the additional gas costs start getting expensive to run. The Anthracite Grey exterior color was very common on those cars and looks very elegant. Especially with the contrasting camel color interior. Awesome video.
Thank you Kenneth. I was very impressed with how smooth that engine ran. Cheers John.
Yes but I have a 500SE W126 which we only use for road trips and having the extra power for overtaking on New Zealand single lane highways is useful. Plus, if you don''t push it, it is not overely hungry on gas. I have done heaps of maint on the M117 engine including the cam chain, it's not that dfficult.@@mercedesmaintenance.6339
I think the 300 SE and SD both are on top of the list.
An ageless beautiful car. They don't make them like this anymore
Wow, that is gorgeous in one of my favored color combinations too. I am considering this as a daily driver. That is great drive, reminds me of my drive to Sewickly PA a few years ago. Very scenic!
126 has always been a dream of mine. I've missed out on two 300SE's unfortunatley. One day...
I absolutely loved it. Its definitely my next pick.
Cheers John.
Too busy kickin’ tyres?
You need to show the interior indoors. The sunlight made it difficult to see the condition of the inside of the car.
That would have been better, I agree. Cheers John.
I've owned my 420SEL for a couple years now. Bought it dirt cheap in 2022, needed one of everything, but I got it all done over time. It's been reliable as can be, and can be fixed with a razor blade and a soldering iron half the time!
Fantastic car. Also incredible value for money. Cheers John.
I think I'll just drive it home! :) Really fancy one. Thanks for this.
These w126 models are truly amazing to drive. Also extremely undervalued. I was so impressed. Check one out if you get the opportunity. My friend Brian is loving this one.
Cheers John.
Nice video. Have the same model, same year (W126 1990 SE) but mine is metallic brown with brazilian brown leather interior. Do more videos like this. Greetings from Brazil.
Anytime I get the chance I will:) Thanks For watching. Cheers John 🍻
I have had mine for three years. I had wanted from about the age of 6 ! 300se 52k miles and a beautiful drive. It compliments my R129 perfectly
Such good value for Money. Beats the pants of newer cars today imo. Cheers John.
That short wheel base is beautiful. I own an SEL, but prefer the look of the SE.
Amazing car., I would like to see what the extra legroom is like. Cheers John
@@mercedesmaintenance.6339 Unless you want a limosine style rear seating area, you don't NEED the SEL model. The SE is much more nimble in handling manuvers and is better suited for a single or married couple. Even if you have kids, there is still plenty of room in the SE(short wheel base model) for comfort.
Beautiful benz as well as owner wish you good luck 🌹
Thank you. The w126 is an awesome car. Hope to own one someday:) Cheers John.
Central locking: Possibly a rod connecting something in the driver door lock slipped out, or a tiny piece that held a spring in place broke off.
I have the 300SEL and in my opinion is the one to look for, as well as the SE you showcase here.
Very pleasant ride, just enough power coming from the M103 while keeping the fuel economy at reasonable levels.
How do you like the extra room in the back? It must be enormous back there. Cheers John.
What does a car like this cost in usa? Is it worth shipping them from Europe to the USA?
Since this is a facelift w126, it should have an electric switch in the driver's door lock element that controls the vacuum pump. The same principle for the trunk lock, an electric switch that controls the vacuum pump. So, I reckon that the electrical switch in the driver's door have poor electrical contact or needs replacement. W126s are great cars. Owned a w126 1983 300SD for ten years.
Thank you for the tip. I'll check into it. Cheers John.
Great Car, Great Video.
Thank you. The W126 is a fantastic car. Cheers John.
The 4700 is the max allowed weight, the curb weight is around 3500 give or take 100 depending on options.
I see that now:) Thanks Alex. Cheers John 🍻
Check the two nylock shifter bushings, front & rear- they tend to crack and fall off, making shifting vague; Kent sells the tool to DIY, not a bad job. The voltage regulator brushes will wear down and raise havoc with the electronics; a $20. Bosch R&R, on backside of alternator, accessible from on your back with a Phillips. The ignition locks tend to wear out- I lubed mine with some clear grease and been good for 21 years. My 300CE (M103) gets between 18-22 mpg on premium, round town/hwy. Check serpentine belt for cracking. Filters: air, power steering & fuel- change them.
Thanks Walt. I'll pass it on to Brian. I did the shift bushings on my sons w201 using Kents tool. That car was a pain. The transmission needs to be lowered slightly at the rear to gain enough access. I'll make sure he checks the other items you mentioned. Cheers John.
@@mercedesmaintenance.6339 Hi John, It's been a long time since I've driven I-80 into Cal, enjoyed the smooth drive & scenery. Nice W126, though kind of huge. Thanks!
@@waltpartymiller6802 It's a nice drive. Hope to get up to the old hwy 40 down to Donner lake soon. That would make for a great video. Cheers John
Pls & ThankU
What kind of price on the 300 SE Mercedes with under 11500 miles?
I've seen really nice cars in the 4k to 5k range. I think they are amazing cars for that money. Cheers john.
Meditation pur 🤗 Thanks🙏
The 4700 lbs must be the max. It is listed at 1520 Kg / 3351 lbs.
Thanks. You're correct. My mistake. Cheers John 🍻
Lovely car. Do you guys still have it. I would love to buy it.
My friend Brian still has it. I'll ask him if he wants to sell it.:) The w126 is a very impressive car. Cheers John 🍻
Beautiful car. W126s are drawing more attention and prices are increasing. I purchased a 1985 300SD a couple of years ago and enjoy the car. However, I wished I owned a 1990-1991 300SE. The second generation W126s are a better car in my opinion. Thanks for sharing.
Hopefully one day I'll get one. So impressed. What was it about the second generation that was better? Cheers John.
@@mercedesmaintenance.6339 The later versions seem to handle a little better but this might be a function of the cars being a little newer. Both generations are good cars.
Check the vacuum change over valve in the driver's door, along with the operating link from the lock mechanism.
Will do Christopher. Cheers John.
W126 short wheelbase six cylinder weighs about 35-3700. Thats GVW on sticker, with max load
Ceramic on the exhaust manifolds?🧐
I don’t know what that rust proofing is but it’s not ceramic
I had my exhaust manifolds ceramic coated a few years back for the w109 6.3. Its not uncommon. Helps with heat dispersion and exhaust tumbling inside. Removes heat a lot quicker. Lifetime guarantee. This is the company I used.
www.jet-hot.com/coatingsoverview
Cheers John.
@@mercedesmaintenance.6339 thats factory rust proofing on that car. So Mercedes were using ceramic coating back then and even before then. Impressive.
Mr Wint and Mr Kidd?
Part of the reason some people shy away from these apparent bargains is the often horrendous price of restoration (and even the best cars hide some issues).
Did you say Donna Summer in the background. My favourite is the State of Independence.
Not Donna Summer. Its some copyright free music from UA-cam. The only version of "State of independence" is by Chrissie hyndes. ua-cam.com/video/Pywkt4aTgXk/v-deo.html
Yes restoration would get expensive. Choose carefully:)
Have 1987Se thes car are kings in the Highway.May 300se standing in The garage 25 gears. Good shape have al lyxeri sad sombody broke some intery The tray tou Steel it from May broders garage..I am weery angry...
Great car but beyond slow , uses lots of gas , door hinges fail . 300sd a better buy .
I found it performed quite well. My mate Brian is loving it. I'll let him know about the hinges. Cheers John 🍻
My mistake , Meant the door check rips the metal on the door frame it mounts to
Thanks for the heads up.@@philreynolds6018 Cheers John 🍻